Hiking and Kayaking to the Ice Cap

Join us on an adventure of a lifetime; embark on a sea kayaking expedition into the untouched Greenlandic wilderness. This expedition connects normally inaccessible destinations that could not be any more 'off the beaten track'. Discover an active hiking and sea kayaking trip in one of the most remote places on earth. Experience true quietness as you paddle silently through iceberg filled waters where whales frequent.

Itinerary

Day 1Ilulissat - Oqaatsut

Your guide will meet you in Ilulissat. From here it is a scenic boat trip to the isolated settlement of Oqaatsut. This tiny village is home to only about 45 people who live in traditional coloured houses. We take time to explore this delightful village at the end of the world with its traditional Inuit culture and complete our first hike to explore our stunning surroundings.

Accommodation: Hostel

Day 2Our kayaking adventure begins

After an introduction to sea-kayaking techniques, navigation skills and an equipment check, we load up our boats and set off northwards. Our expedition begins with a calm day - you will be weaving in and out of Icebergs and paddling with confidence in no time! We set up camp in a sheltered bay and enjoy the chance to live like a traditional Inuit community - learn bushcraft skills and go foraging to add to our evening meal.

Activities: Sea kayaking 5 hours
Accommodation: Camping

Days 3 to 4Kayaking to Pakitsoq Bay

The adventure continues - we pack up camp, load up our boats and head north to Pakitsoq Bay. Keep your eyes open for whales, seals and eagles as we head deeper into the wilderness...

Activities: Hiking and kayaking, 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Camping

Day 5Pakitsoq Bay and the ice sheet

Learn tidal navigation skills as we kayak from our campsite into the Fjord. From here, we can hike up to stunning views of the ice sheet; we explore the area on foot and by kayak. This isolated part of Greenland is home to a range of flora and fauna including whales...

Activities: Kayaking, 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Camping

Days 6 to 7Kayaking to Oqaatsut

We load up our kayaks - a beautiful two day journey through Greenlands picturesque scenary awaits. Keep your eyes open for whales, seals and eagles as we paddle around icebergs and make our way back to Oqaatsut.

Day 8Ilulissat

Breakfast and return boat trip to Ilulissat

Transport: Boat

The details in this programme are updated regularly but imponderables and unpredictable circumstances may result in inaccuracies. In order to provide the adventure which is best suited to your demands, the weather and the operational conditions, changes to the itinerary may be made. For safety reasons, we reserve the rights to interrupt your participation at any time if your technical level or fitness is deemed unsuitable or if you are seen as a danger to yourself or to those around you. This will in no case give rise to refunds or compensation.

Other trips you may like

Discover West Greenland: Live like an Inuit in one of the most isolated and captivating destinations in the world. This adventure includes a mini wilderness camping expedition, hiking, kayaking, whale watching and walking on the ice cap! A complete discovery of West Greenland and simply unforgettable family holiday.

Not included

Please let us know if you would like to reserve any of the following optional activities:

Greenlandic meal in traditional restaurant: prices vary from €25

Notes

For many years, we put our know-how and our experience of nature and adventure travel in Greenland to the service of travelers from different horizons. You may find yourself in an international group with participants from our various partners.

Comfort - 1/5 Camping

Normally we provide a 3 man dome tent per 2 people for maximum space and comfort. For our basecamps we usually set up a fully equipped mess tent for meal times, including a table and stools. We are proud of our quality camping equipment and take care to monitor and store everything correctly. This trip also includes nights in local guesthouse and hostel accommodation with shared facilities.

Level - 2/5 Moderate

This trip is accessible to anyone with a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. You do not need previous sea kayaking experience but physically you should be able to swim 100m and participate in 5-6 hours of hiking/kayaking per day. Our hikes are not technically difficult but venture over uneven terrain. This trip involves camping and please note that your help with tasks like cooking is much appreciated and expected - we want you to be a part of our team.

Terms and conditions

Booking conditions

Booking a trip with us implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 30% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.

Invoice procedure

Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 35 days before your departure date.

For Polar Cruises, we require a deposit on the day of registration, 30% of the balance 3 months before departure and the full amount at least 45 days before departure. If registration is less than 35 days before departure then an invoice will be attached to this travel contract and the full amount must be paid upon registration. If registration is less than 15 days before departure, payment is only accepted by credit card or cash. If registration is less than 8 days before departure you may be charged an additional free for sending your ticket. If the full balance of the trip has not arrived 35 days before departure, Altaï Greenland reserves the right to cancel your registration without compensation.

Cancellation policy

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip we require a written confirmation of your decision so please contact us by e-mail, fax or letter.The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:

Cancellation received more than 30 days before the departure date: 15% of trip price will be retained

Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: 45% of trip price will be retained

Cancellation received within 20 days of the departure date: 100% of trip price will be retained

If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances may include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.

Changes to travel contract

If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact us in writing. If your change is requested after our confirmation has been issued and more than 30 days prior to the departure date, your change will be subject to an amendment fee of 45€. If you request a change within 30 days of departure it will be treated as a cancellation of the original booking and will be subject to cancellation charges.

Pricing

The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.

Contract transfer

If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person, subject to the following conditions:

a) you must notify us in writing

b) the transferee must fulfil any conditions that apply to the booking

c) Change and cancellation fees apply

Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance for your trip with Altaï Greenland as soon as your booking is confirmed. We advice you to purchase a travel insurance policy which covers flight cancellations, luggage loss and emergency health care. Please look carefully at which activities are covered by your insurer and do not forget to bring all necessary documents and information with you (name of the company, name of the contract, insurance policy number, telephone number...)

Practical info

Staff

You will be welcomed at the airport by a representative from our friendly team and accompanied for the duration of your holiday. Armed with an abundance of experience and a wealth of expert knowledge our professional Greenland team know the country inside out. All activities are lead by our qualified guides. They are all English speaking outdoor practitioners with a passion for everything Greenlandic. Please note that this adventure takes place in an isolated polar environment which can be hostile - your guide will explain safety rules which must be followed.

Food

This trip includes full board except the final evening meal in Ilulissat - we are proud of the varied, fresh and frankly delicious food we provide on our camping trips. Meals are based on a selection of local products and you will have the opportunity to try Greenlandic delicacies such as cod, arctic char and mussels.

Each day will start with a hearty breakfast accompanied by plenty of tea and coffee. Then you will prepare your own picnic lunch for the day from a buffet style array of options - everyday there will definitely be sandwiches, hot drinks and cakes among the other options. Each evening meal will include three courses- we try to offer fresh fruit and vegetables everyday but this is not always possible in Greenland!

Your help in the kitchen is expected and much appreciated, particularly in the evenings. We like when the whole group work as a team to cook dinner, it creates a pleasant atmosphere as we reflect on the days adventures together.

Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs.

Accommodation

Oqaatsut

We sleep in a rustic village refuge in the heart of the traditional Greenlandic settlement. There is no running water so we use water from a fountain. Showers are found in a village communal house for a small fee (€2). We use shared dry toilets which are the only facilities in a number of small Greenlandic settlements.

Wild Camping

We provide quality 3 man dome tents, 1 per 2 people for maximum space and comfort plus a spacious fully equipped mess tent complete with a table and stools for communal moments and mealtimes.

Transportation

In Greenland we use local boats, specially adapted for ice navigation, to cross fjords.

Budget & exchange

The currency in Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK)

Please budget for a meal in Ilulissat: €25-€70 / 200-500DKK. Alcohol is very expensive in Greenland, if you want to enjoy an evening drink after your days adventures, we recommend buying Duty Free alcohol in the airport.

Supplied equipment

We
provide you with the technical equipment you will need for this
adventure - all you need to bring are your hiking boots.

We will provide
everything else including:

3 man dome tents (1 per 2 people for maximum space and comfort)

Self-inflating sleeping matt

A mess tent with table, stools and cooking equipment

Tandem
sea kayak with directional rudder

A
Gore-tex dry suit with integrated warm fleece liner

A spray deck

A
life jacket

Our sea
kayaks were chosen for their stability and comfortable, they are suitable for
first time kayakers. Average speed 2-3 miles per hour, up to 6 miles per hour.
Suitable for all sea conditions and in the unlikely event of capsize they are
surprisingly easy to right, even at sea you would be back on board and paddling
in no time.

Vital equipment

Sleeping bag (comfortable at 0°C for maximum warmth)

Walking boots

Waterproof jacket (with a hood)

Waterproof trousers

A warm jumper or two

Suitable underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers

Thermals - top & long johns

A swimsuit

Warm gloves and hat (even in the summer - evenings can be chilly)

Sunhat and sun cream

Sunglasses (UV 400)

Any personal medication

Towel & toiletries

A water bottle

A small rucksack to use as a day bag

Warm pyjamas

Head torch & spare batteries (although it is nearly always light in the summer months)

Material

We prefer that you do not wear cotton clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and it does not dry fast. The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool. The most powerful materials against the wind and rain are 'breathable' materials like Gore-Tex or Nikwax.

Our advice for keeping warm

Winter in Greenland can be very cold, please think carefully about what clothes you bring, although we will provide warm outer layers, the layers you wear next to your skin make the biggest difference. We recommend:

No cotton

Bring dry spares of everything, even underwear and gloves

Wear multiple layers including:

A warm breathable base layer

A second thermal layer

Wind and waterproof protective out layer (we provide an additional quality jacket and over trousers)

Helpful equipment

You may also consider packing

Your camera

Binoculars

A notepad and pencil

A thermos flask

Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing

A comfortable evening outfit

Walking poles

Inflatable pillow

Insect repellant

Blister plasters

Tissues

Luggage

Please bring a small rucksack to use as a day bag. You can bring this as hand luggage on the aeroplane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag. You will also need a larger bag to store your other clothes and belongings in, please ensure that this is a soft bag like a ruckack or holdall rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical. We recommend packing all of your clothes in plastic bags so that they stay dry in the event of wet weather.

Medicine

Your guide is a trained first-aider and will carry a full first aid kit at all times during the trip. We recommend that you bring a small personal first aid kit containing any medication you may need such as inhalers, plasters, antiseptic and painkillers.

Passport

Most travellers require a passport that is valid for at least three months after the return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and please be aware that proof of onwards travel may be required.

Visa

Most travellers do not need a VISA to travel to Greenland but proof of onwards travel may be required. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific visa requirements.

Mandatory vaccines

There are no specific health risks.

Health information & recommendations

It is your responsibility to check that your personal health insurance covers everything in this trip. A consultation with your doctor is a prerequisite for any trip.

Weather

Year round the temperatures in Greenland can range from -25°C to more than 20°C (-13°F to +68°F). The air is low in humidity which means that the temperatures do not feel as cold as you might imagine and that the views are amazing, it appears that you can see further. Generally speaking Greenland is not very windy and the warmest months are June - August.

The length of the day varies significantly throughout the year. The shortest day of the year
is 21st December with no sunlight! The longest day, with 24 hours of sunlight, is 20th June. You can see the midnight sun from May - July and the Northern Lights in the darker months.

The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during ourtrip...

Be prepared

Stick to trails and camp overnight right

Stash your trash and pick up waste

Leave it as you find it

Be careful with fire

Respect wildlife

Be considerate of other visitors

Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates.

Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.

We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.

This trip is accessible to anyone with a sense of adventure and a
positive attitude. You do not need to have sea kayaked before but physically you
should be able to swim 100m and participate in 5-6 hours of
hiking/kayaking per day. Our hikes are not technically difficult but may
venture off-trail. This trip involves camping and please note that your help
with tasks like cooking is much appreciated and expected - we want you to be a
part of our team.